Many consider Orlando and Tampa to be sister cities – and we certainly agree. It’s fairly easy to get to other places that make for a romantic weekend getaway or a quick trip. Next time you head east on I-4 check out these new restaurants in Orlando. These special restaurants and bars have unique atmospheres and creative menus that are worth the drive.
New Restaurants in Orlando
Norman Van Aken – regarded as the Founding Father of New World Cuisine, recently opened his namesake restaurant, NORMAN’S, in the Dellagio Town Center. The renowned chef has cooked alongside culinary giants such as Julia Child, Ferran Adrià, Anthony Bourdain, and his dear friend the late great Charlie Trotter, among many others.
Kaya just off of 50, near Thornton Park and Mills 50 is a must-do in 2023, if you’re up for a cultural experience. Kaya provides a casual fine dining experience with delicious Filipino fare. The cozy bungalow is a lovely setting for date night and just opened a new patio.
One of the coolest themed restaurants in the Orlando area, Susuru Orlando, expanded to a new home on East Colonial – which is near downtown Orlando. Susuru Juju opened at the end of 2022. Offering a perfect balance of casual Japanese eats and sophisticated dishes, it’s a great date night destination no matter your budget.
Susuru Juju also offers a Kappo Bar Tasting Experience which is more casual than a traditional Omakase experience. Book a night with one of the many Orlando hotels with summer deals then head out to Susuru Juju for dinner, make it a romantic adventure.
For a whimsical taste of home, head over to Four Flamingos: A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen, now open at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. The restaurant, which replaces Hemingway’s, features an open kitchen, raw bar, and live lobster tank, all with a fun vintage Florida feel. The menu highlights the tropical flavors of Florida, with an emphasis on citrus, surf and turf, and fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Four Flamingos is one of our favorite new restaurants in Orlando. And with it being inside the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress it is a perfect excuse to have a romantic weekend getaway here.
Head to one of our favorite resorts in Orlando, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin for an awesome new restaurant in Orlando. Rosa Mexicano is known for elevated Mexican cuisine. With multiple locations in the northeast, this popular date night restaurant now has its first Orlando-area location at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, and is now open!
New Bars in Orlando
The newest tiki bar in Orlando is Permanent Vacation in Maitland. We absolutely loved our first visit here and plan to visit again.
Check out reservation info and what you need to know to visit Permanent Vacation tiki bar.
Just opened in Winter Park is Forward/Slash tasting room. Blended for the discerning whiskey lover and the newly converted – FORWARD/SLASH is whiskey meant to be savored, not stashed away.
Otto’s High Dive, a new elevated cocktail bar with the coziness of your favorite local dive, is now open in the Milk District. Enjoy the Old Florida style bar menu, with fun signature drinks like a guava pastelito-inspired cocktail. Expect modern takes on classic drinks, plus local craft beer and scratch-made Cuban-inspired small plates.
A stunning new bar called The Bellhop is now open in downtown Orlando. It is easy to step inside as it is on the bottom floor of the historic Angebilt Hotel. The bar is designed by former Walt Disney World Imagineers and has a glamorous vintage hotel lobby feel. A gleaming wood bar, glass and feathered chandeliers, leather chairs and plush lounge seating, and a display of brass hotel keys all drive the hotel theme home. The space functions as a moody coffee bar by day, and an elevated cocktail lounge by night.
You can also save a few dollars by visiting some of our favorite Orlando Happy Hours.
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